Do airport metal detectors interfere with implantable pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators?

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine whether airport metal detector gates (AMDGs) interfere with pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). BACKGROUND It is currently unknown whether AMDGs interfere with implanted PMs or ICDs. METHODS A total of 348 consecutive patients (200 PM and 148 ICD recipients) have been tested for the occurrence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) within the electromagnetic field of a worldwide-used airport metal detector. RESULTS No interference, such as pacing or sensing abnormalities, was observed in any of the 200 PM and 148 ICD patients; also no reprogramming occurred. CONCLUSIONS In vivo testing of PM and ICD systems showed no EMI with a standard AMDG. Clinically relevant interactions with implanted PMs or ICDs seem unlikely. (C) 2003 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.